Homa bay: Homa Bay County Commissioner (CC) Ronald Mwiwawi has expressed concern over the growing culture of using goons to cause violence in the county. He highlighted that the goons, locally referred to as Sangwenyas, were being recruited and financed by some political operatives.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mwiwawi warned that the county security team would not only target the goons but also their sponsors. He lamented that the media frequently reported negative incidents of goon violence during political gatherings across the country. Mwiwawi emphasized that disrespect towards institutions of governance poses a serious threat to sovereignty and has become a worrying trend. He noted that every time a public function is convened, the county’s security team is put on high alert due to the potential for violence.
Mwiwawi pointed out that the open display of opulence by individuals who cannot account for their wealth is enticing the youth to join extremist groups. He expressed concern that money laundering and recruitment into terror organizations are taking root, with youths seeking shortcuts to riches driven by the ostentatious lifestyles they observe.
He advised the youth to seek employment opportunities in affordable housing projects, online jobs, and diaspora employment, rather than allowing themselves to be manipulated by politicians as goons. Mwiwawi also remarked on the unfortunate animosity some citizens harbor towards security officials, as evidenced by frequent clashes between police and demonstrators.
The commissioner spoke during a three-day workshop on the national strategy to prevent and counter violent extremism held at a hotel in Homa Bay. The training was organized by the National Counter Terrorism Center. He urged the media to play a proactive role in the fight against terrorism by educating the public on the virtues of patriotism and cautioned them to be wary of being exploited by terror organizations to further their goals.
